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April 2005 Newsletter
Feature ArticleConnecting with Your Creativity
Recently, I tuned in to a national radio program and heard an author speak about his book on creativity. I was surprised to hear him say that the silence out of which creativity arises, is different than the silence we experience in meditation. He is mistaken. The wondrous openness of silence is where all creativity is born. Our interpretation of the silence defines our understanding of it, as the radio author suggested, but silence just is. Silence is the fertile ground of all that is, and from it, all thought arises. Each person expresses creativity differently. That is part of the wonder of creativity. How does creativity express differently in each of us? It is too big a question to know how to answer. It just does! We call something creative because it feels fresh and unique and because it exists. Our lives express our uniqueness when we live with awareness. When we intentionally cultivate awareness, our creativity abundantly expands and expresses itself. Awareness allows for the impulse to write, paint, cook, manage a business, or express all manner of creativity. One author puts a paper bag over his head to eliminate distraction and generate new stories for his next book! He doesn't realize how a simple meditation practice would help him develop his ability to focus in silence, without needing to put a paper bag over his head! One often hears poets and writers speaking of their muse. Where does the voice of the muse come from? Is it possible to enter the silence and drop all stories of what happens there and simple experience it as it is? What is creativity then? What exists before a creative thought? Are you curious? A reminder It's good to remember, as you continue to explore your personal flowering of inner growth, that you already contain all the elements you need to be a beautiful flower. Whether you are a rose, a tulip, carnation, peony, or violet, you are already the flower of your own Being. A flower needs light, moisture, and the right fertilizers to make it grow. To help the seed of you to grow in awareness of all you are, you need awareness (the light), the desire for change (the moisture), and the courage to see through fears and mistaken beliefs (the fertilizer). You will grow with the light, and open to the wonder of life, blossoming fully. Everyday Awareness Practices
Have you ever noticed how you look or grab for something to fill the space anytime you have to wait? Have you ever been waiting-for someone else- in line-or in an office- and not reached for something to do? Allowing the space for empty-time, with nothing to do- gives you the opportunity to use waiting time to explore what is -what is happening around you and within you, with gentle, open, curiosity- not judging, not criticizing- just noticing, just breathing. Noticing thought, noticing breath, noticing the feel of your chair, or the ground beneath your feet. Noticing the sounds around you, and not needing to do anything, you may find an unexpected gift in waiting time you have often dreaded-a moment of peace in the midst of an otherwise busy, stressful day. Simply sitting or standing in line with nothing else to do but being aware of what is. Remembering awareness is a gift to your self and others. Please take care. |
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An excerpt from Nina Livingstone's book Let's Not Call It Meditation: Practical Information for People Who Think They Can't Sit Still and Quiet the Mind
Waiting Room Meditation